Rhinoplasty is a popular cosmetic procedure, but it can be complex surgery. It is important that you understand the steps involved before deciding whether to undergo nose reshaping. This article will take you through what to expect before, during and after rhinoplasty surgery. If you have had previous surgery you believe is botched plastic surgery, see our CSESO page.

Preparing for a consultation with Your surgeon

Before you talk with a surgeon, have some questions prepared. What are your concerns about the procedure? Are you worried about complications or side-effects of the surgery?You could also ask questions about the surgeon's qualifications and experience, how often they perform rhinoplasty, where the surgery will be performed and what the costs include, so that you know if there will be any additional costs. Write your questions down to take with you so you don't forget what you wanted to ask and take notes during the consultation in case you need to check details later. In Australia, doctors aren't allowed to use 'before and after' photos in their advertising, but they can provide them to you in a consultation. This can help you better understand the likely results.

The surgeons at NorthEast Plastic Surgery will focus on your own particular facial proportions and nasal anatomy together with your expectations in the context of what is surgically achievable which will provide you with realistic expectations.

Before your surgery

Your surgeon (Dr Sugitha Seneviratne or Mr Patrick Tansley) will give you a list of instructions to follow before your nose surgery. If you are a smoker, it is important to cease smoking six weeks prior to and after surgery to minimise the risk of complications. Some medications also increase the risk of complications, so speak to your surgeon about which medications are safe to use. You may need to stop taking some medications, in consultation with your doctor. It is important to avoid Nicotine containing products, Aspirin, Disprin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Nurofen in addition to herbal medications such as Garlic, Ginseng, Ginko, Arnica, Fish and Krill oil two weeks prior to and after surgery.

It is really important to tell your surgeon everything you take, even if it isn't classed as a medicine, before your surgery. It is important that your surgeon is made aware of previous surgery and history of scarring, along with significant medical history. In addition, a tendency for easy bruising and excessive bleeding, deep venous clots, all prescription and non-prescription medication, allergies to anaesthetic, antibiotics and dressings, history of smoking and psychological or psychiatric issues. These issues are important as they have the potential to affect the surgery, anaesthesia, potential complications and recovery.

What to expect on the day

Nose surgery takes between 1 and 3 hours and is performed under general anaesthetic administered by a Specialist Anaesthetist. You will go home with a splint on your nose to maintain nasal structures in place, to protect your nose when you sleep and help it to heal correctly. There may also be soft internal splints or packing inside the nostrils. Some people find this a bit uncomfortable, but it is only temporary. You won’t be able to drive or go home by yourself because of the anaesthetic, so arrange for a responsible adult to take you home.

What you can do after surgery and recovery

You will be a bit sore, bruised and swollen around the nose and eyes for a few days after your surgery. The splints and packing need to stay in place for a few days to a week after your surgery. Prepare for your return home with some pre-prepared meals and a 'recovery area' with pillows, ice packs, a thermometer and a telephone within easy reach. For safety, someone should stay with you for at least 24 hours after your surgery. Make sure you follow your surgeon's post-procedure instructions and let them know immediately if you experience symptoms that you don't expect or have been told to lookout for.

If you have any questions or if you would like to book a confidential consultation, simply click on the buttons below, or call our friendly team on (03) 9088 5000 for Melbourne or (07) 3180 3400 for Brisbane.